Sec. 134.016. DEVELOPMENT OF PROCESS FOR DESIGNATING AREAS UNSUITABLE FOR SURFACE COAL MINING. The commission shall develop a process for designating areas unsuitable for surface coal mining. The process shall include:

(1) reviewing surface coal mining land;

(2) developing a data base and an inventory system that will permit proper evaluation of the capacity of different land areas of the state to support and permit reclamation of surface coal mining operations;

(3) developing, by rule, a method or methods for implementing land use planning decisions about surface coal mining operations; and

(4) developing, by rule, proper notice, provisions, and opportunities for public participation, including a public hearing, before the commission makes a designation or redesignation under Section 134.020.

Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 12.02(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1995.